Inaugural Young Professional Event Garnered Rave Reviews

NEW YORK —  Held in conjunction with Luxury Travel Expo 2010, the inaugural Young Leaders Conference brought together over 100 young travel professionals for a day of networking and education. The first and only forum dedicated to 'under 40' professionals across the travel industry, attendees left with newly sharpened skills and ideas to implement into their businesses. The event was held on December 7, 2010 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The inaugural Young Leaders Conference received phenomenal praise and continues to garner attention. The positive buzz from attendees proved that the event surpassed our goal to deliver a dynamic environment for the 'under 40' set to thrive,” remarked Alicia Evanko, vice president of tradeshows and events, The Travel + Hospitality Group. “We are confident that the Young Leaders Conference is now an industry mainstay for young travel professionals seeking to add add another dimension of peer collaboration.”

All aspects of the event proved to be a success, especially 'Mingle for Success: Young Leaders Business Card Exchange,' an interactive peer-to-peer networking session where attendees were able to meet one-to-one efficiently with their fellow travel professionals. Industry experts presented educational sessions covering technology, sales and marketing, niche travel, generational research and personal success stories.

Speakers included: Michael Distler, destination specialist for Africa, Admiral Travel International; Talula A. Guntner, Ed.S., CTC, MCC, assistant dean, travel and tourism, Northern Virginia Community College; Ralph Iantosca, CTA, LS, DS, agency owner, GOGIRL.TRAVEL; Michelle Mangio, owner, Magical Escapes; Jack E. Mannix, CTC, principal, Jack E. Mannix & Associates; Leah Peterson, vice president of client development, Response Mine Interactive; Nancy Strong, CTC, chief executive officer, Strong Travel Services; Andy Stuart, executive vice president of global sales and passenger services, Norwegian Cruise Line; Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC, vice president of corporate relations, All About Travel; Jill Taylor, luxury travel consultant, Jet Set World Travel and Monika Weinsoft, luxury travel consultant, Jet Set World Travel.